Zeagle Ranger LTD vs. Dive Rite Transpac

[AKmountaineer]

Ok, so after having my previous BC questions adressed in an earlier thread, I decided to go with the Zeagle Ranger LTD, largely because I have heard an outpouring of great things about it both from people on this board and elsewhere. I went to my LDS to get sized and familiar with all the features, and it looked like a great BC. Just when I was feeling confident in my decision, one of the salesman recommended going with Dive Rite Transpac because of its high performance and versatility. I tried that system on too, but I found that the Ranger was much more comfortable, and I didn't care all that much for the sort of stripped down skeletonized characteristics of the Dive Rite. I pondered the new quandry as I drove home, and stopped at another shop to get a second opinion. They told me that it would be nearly impossible to dive a Ranger with double tanks, and that if I did, I would likely either sink straight to the bottom, or experience very poor performance from the BCD. Granted this may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I would still like to get a BC that is capable of running doubles occationally when I move that way in the future. The rest of my diving is just rec / moderate tech at this point, so what should I do?

Thanks!

 

[iflyprops]

Can't you put a backplate in the ranger to help stabilize it when diving doubles? That may help.

 

[TostitoBandito]

Can't you put a backplate in the ranger to help stabilize it when diving doubles? That may help.

You might be able to put a banckplate in your ranger, but I'm not positive. No you won't sink to the bottom when using doubles with a ranger. It should work fine for diving doubles occasionally without a backplate. If you are going to be diving doubles ALL the time though, it is probably better to go the BP/Wing route. Or at the point in the future when you start to dive doubles a lot, you can just get a BP/Wing and use your Ranger for singles.

 

[h2whoa]

I have not used a ranger with doubles but I have used a Transpac II. The Transpac II is probably the most versatile BCD you could buy however, I don't really like using it with doubles. I much prefer a BP/W - even more stripped down than the TPII. Bottom line: if you plan to go to doubles go for a BP/W and get 1 wing for singles (preferrably "O" shaped) and another for doubles.

 

[ifukuda]

Which BC is better for single tank AL diving with 7mm wetsuit or semi-drysuit? Or, would this be analogous to comparing S-Pro and Apeks regs.

 

[Tavi]

I tried a lot of bc's before I bought my Transpac II. I didn't like the Zeagle at all (though that may have just been due to a poor fit, rental gear).

Now my Transpac II is my pool BC.

All of my open water dives are with BP and wings! Both singles and doubles.

The TP II and the Zeagle are both capable of doubles. However, doubles will be a lot more stable on your back with a Backplate and wings. I did a dive in Florida with a freind, he wore a TP II with double HP 100's, I dove a BP and wings with double 95's. all through the dive he had trouble with the tanks shifting on him. with a BP with a properly adjusted harness, you won't have that problem.

Best of luck shopping,
the best advise I can give is this,
Try everything you can in the water, before you buy

 

[TostitoBandito]

Also worthy of note, the extendable tank bands on the LTD Ranger make it fairly easy to get a solid hold on your doubles. I strapped some doubles on with mine and they weren't going anywhere.

 

[JPBECK]

Well you are getting closer... from a piece of crap SQ to a DiveRite--- Just a little more and you will... End up with a BP and wings!!!!! I am telling you will thank me later if you heed my words... check out this site http://www.halcyon.net/

I just cant tell you how much better off you will be!

 

[JPBECK]

First of all the Ranger Plateform is not stabble enough to wear doubles---- any salesperson who tells you that should be shot! You can use it but you would/should add a Backplate to it!!!

 

[saying]

I have the Ranger. Love it to death.

Only sort of wish I'd bought a Transpac because I'm thinking of transitioning overy to a BP/W and could have used the Rec wing off the Transpac instead of having to buy a new wing.

BUT: I'm probably going to get the classic wing with the BP/W anyway AND I still love my Ranger imagine it's still going to get plenty of use. PLUS I never found the Transpac all that comfortable, modular or not the Ranger kicks its ass comfort-wise.